Plant Genome III Conference

MAPPING THE OLIVE GENOME.

1. Instituto di Ricerche sulla Olivicoltura, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Madonna Alta 128, 06128 Perugia, Italy;
2. Dept. of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634.

Olive (Olea europaea sativa L.) is one of the most important fruit crops in the Mediterranean area where it is used for the production of oil and as a food source. Olive is a diploid species (2n=46) and numerous varieties have been described exhibiting significant levels of variation in agronomically important characters such as oil content, fruit size and canopy shape. In order to mark and follow such important characters during breeding selection, we are constructing a molecular genetic map for olive based on RFLP and RAPD marker systems. As a source of cloned sequences for RFLP mapping and for isolation of important genes, we have constructed a partial plasmid genomic library and two cDNA libraries, from poly A+RNA of fruit and leaf. We are currently screening for RFLP and RAPD polymorphism in a series of varietal crosses for which we have significant numbers of Fl progenies. From this analysis, we will select the cross exhibiting the greatest level of polymorphism for map construction. Our initial analyses reveal that there is sufficient polymorphism for map construction both with RFLP and RAPD systems. In addition, we are screening the cDNA libraries for genes important to the production and modification of oil in the fruit. These genes will be mapped and characterized for future manipulation.